Watchtower Props As Alternative to Park Condos
The idea of converting some of the Watchtower properties in Brooklyn Heights into luxury housing and using the tax revenues to support the upkeep of Brooklyn Bridge Park instead of building condos in the park itself is not new (it’s been floating around for a few months), but there was a “closed-door session” at Borough…
The idea of converting some of the Watchtower properties in Brooklyn Heights into luxury housing and using the tax revenues to support the upkeep of Brooklyn Bridge Park instead of building condos in the park itself is not new (it’s been floating around for a few months), but there was a “closed-door session” at Borough Hall yesterday, according to The Post, where the idea got airtime with local pols and influencers. “There’s a growing sentiment that the Jehovah’s Witnesses buildings are the magic bullet to keep more housing out of the park,” said Paul Nelson, Assemblywoman Joan Millman’s chief of staff and a member of the city board overseeing the park’s development. One activist has specifically proposed that the city buy the buildings, convert them into luxury condos and use the tax revenue for park maintenance. Think that could work?
High-rise Foes Seek ‘Witness’ Protection [NY Post]
Can Jehovah’s Witnesses Save BBP From Condos? [Curbed]
Photo by Sergio
Your right, I will not live there.
I actually don’t give a shit either, because i am not moving any time soon. But, I think of other people that might want to live there but can’t afford all the “high end luxuries”, so that is why, laminate is just as good as granite.
…and I still agree with Rob, why can’t they just be regular apartments
*** sticks tongue out ***
Why choose? Inventory is tight.
***Bid half off peak comps***
about the 421-a……gotcha.
g_man – if it means that people will stop whining about housing and the park – I am all for it…..All I know is that park as built so far (even with 1 Brooklyn Bridge Park Condo) is absolutely amazing – I mean truly – and I know that without a verified funding source NYC/NYS could not/would not have ever built something so terrific (actually surprised they did anyway) – so whatever it takes to get the rest of it done and then maintained – as it so far has been – I am all for.
Condos in buildings such as these were never 421a eligible – new construction only
The funny part is that what passes for luxury these days is so common that it can’t really be described as luxury. Everybody and their gramma has those same ugly ass (IMO) granite countertops and fingerprint smudged stainless appliances. Luxury in this city would be space. Real space. Like not having to put your couch directly up against your dining table. Like not being able to stand in what passes for a bedroom and touch opposite walls with your arms outstretched.
If this plan were to proceed, PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) would be part of the negotiated deal, so 421-a tax abatements would not be an issue. As Ringo points out, the buildings don’t pay property taxes now.
fsrq, the scheme does not reduce the amount of housing, but it does move the housing outside of what long-time park advocates have envisioned as the park footprint; that is, all of the piers and upland.
My sources tell me the proposal as made (the doors may have been closed but the windows were wide open) was for the city to take the Watchtower buildings by eminent domain.
Stargazer I think you really have to ask yourself why you give a shit what type of finishes will be put into apartments that you will likely never live in???
yes, I have to agree with Rob on this.
Why can’t they just be regular apartments with regular finishes. Yes, laminate counter tops will do just as good instead of granite, and Kenmore is just as good as sub-zero….
ugh,